New ‘giant’ spider found in Australia
The arachnid was named Euoplos dignitas to reflect “the impressive size and nature of the spider,” Queensland Museum scientists said. (Queensland Museum)
A rare, giant species of trapdoor spider has been found in Queensland, Australia, with scientists saying the arachnid is considered an endangered species.
The tarantula has been named Euoplos dignitas and is found only in the Brigalow Belt in central Queensland, Australia.
Its name is “derived from the Latin ‘dignitas’, meaning ‘dignity’ or ‘greatness’ reflecting ‘the spider’s impressive size and nature,’ Queensland Museum scientists said in a news release.
“The name Euoplos dignitas comes from the Latin dignity it signifies dignity or greatness and is reflected in the impressive size and nature of the spider and also in a connection to Project DIG, which funded our research,” said the lead author, Queensland Museum principal scientist and curator of arachnology, the Dr. Michael Rix, in a statement to Fox Digital News.
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According to the Queensland Museum, the trapdoor spider was found by researchers who have been studying the Brigalow Belt in central Queensland for the past four years.
The scientists worked as part of the DIG project, a partnership with the BHP and the BMA, ‘which is transforming the way the museum stores, explores and shares its collections and research’.
Although the Queensland Museum hasn’t shared how large their find is, trapdoor spiders are typically up to 1.5 inches long and nest underground. (Queensland Museum)
The spider lives in open woodland habitats and builds its burrows in black soils. The researchers shared that the rare species has lost much of its home to logging, putting the species in danger.
“This species is only known from a very few localities around Eidsvold and Monto in central Queensland and has lost much of its habitat to logging, making it likely an endangered species.” Dr. Rix continued.
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According to National Geographic, trapdoor spiders are typically up to 1.5 inches long and nest underground. Their bites can cause significant swelling in humans.
Jeremy Wilson, an arachnology research assistant at the Queensland Museum Network, said in a video announcing the creepy spider’s discovery that the search is exciting because “you never know what you’ll find.”
Wilson said naming the new species has real-life implications, because being a known species means “it can be protected.”
Dr Michael Rix said experts were keen to ‘scientifically document this new species’. (Queensland Museum)
Following the researcher’s exciting discovery, the Queensland Government has congratulated the scientists responsible for the groundbreaking research.
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“The Queensland Government is proud to support the Queensland Museum Network to facilitate rewarding partnerships such as Project DIG that lead to new knowledge and empower Queenslanders to engage with the wonders of science.” Queensland Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said in a press release.
